Style Arc Teena Dress

13 Jun Style Arc Teena Dress

Do you know that the one color you should never wear for a job interview is…….

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This is no office dress – rather one ready for those hot summer nights and ‘dressy casual’ occasions!

Greetings from the home front 🙂
My pattern is the Style Arc Teena Dress , a pattern I bought last summer in consideration for my mother of the bride dress.

teena dressHad I made a muslin last summer I would have known that the pattern would have worked beautifully as a long dress for the occasion.

I’ve been a Style Arc fan since sewing my first pattern over 3 years ago. The patterns fit beautifully even if they aren’t especially user friendly.

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What I truly love about the Teena Dress are the two-piece side panels seen in the illustration above and the photo below. The front side and back side panels are split horizontally enabling a superior fit through the bodice. It’s difficult to determine the seam lines due to the fabric design, but a click or two on the photograph below will show you the details.

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Two fabrics are used for the dress. The top layer is an Italian red coral cotton eyelet from Mood Fabrics, but the structure of the dress and the depth of color are provided from the lining. Labeled a hibiscus cotton batiste (no longer available) on the Mood website – it is more like a cotton poplin with stretch! I never intended to use the two fabrics together, more like they found each other in the stash 😉

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Style Arc patterns are shipped from Australia, sold in single sizes, use a 3/8 ” seam and offer sparse instructions. However, the sizes are accurate and the website provides a page of sewing tutorials, tips and construction features for techniques found in the patterns.

Sadly, I was unable to find an invisible zipper to match the fabric, but the slotted zipper worked nicely. I made two slight design changes in raising the back 1 inch and increasing the strap width from 1/4″ to 3/4″.

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Though the pattern calls for boning only on the strapless version, I added two pieces of 6″ spiral steel boning to the upper bodice sides. I could not insert the boning into the 3/8″ seams which led to making a casing for the boning and stitching it to the wrong side of the lining. Once the lining was sewn and turned it’s practically invisible.

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One of the things I love most about sewing is the constant state of flexibility I’ve developed through my beloved hobby. The pattern was not used as intended, the batiste was not what I expected, and yet one year later the stars aligned and a new dress was created.

Who knows what will be next!

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Until soon 🙂



 

 

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
91 Comments
  • Cissie Wellons
    Posted at 09:45h, 13 June Reply

    Perfect summer dress,, Sarah. Love the picture of the wind blowing in your hair!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:53h, 14 June Reply

      Thanks, Cissie! It was such a windy day – this one was tame compared to many 😉

  • Eileen
    Posted at 09:46h, 13 June Reply

    Beautiful color and style on you! Thanks for the inspiration.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:54h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Eileen!

  • Cheryl
    Posted at 09:51h, 13 June Reply

    Sarah, this looks great and the fit is amazing! I recently learned and used a little trick with invisible zippers. If you can’t find a matching color, get as close as you can then go buy fingernail polish to match your fabric and paint the pull.. This worked beautifully. A lady in my favorite fabric shop also uses polish to paint the hooks and eyes.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:55h, 14 June Reply

      What a wonderful tip! Thank you so much, Cheryl 🙂

  • Sheree
    Posted at 09:57h, 13 June Reply

    Lovely colour on you. Never tried Stylearc myself, but was pleased to see they now sell downloadable ones on Etsy.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:56h, 14 June Reply

      Many thanks, Sheree! I”ve noticed a few Style Arc PDF patterns popping up. Let me know if you try on 😉

  • Marcia Clever
    Posted at 09:59h, 13 June Reply

    Sarah…lovely, lovely dress.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:56h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Marcia!

  • Marie Barrese
    Posted at 10:23h, 13 June Reply

    When I cannot find an invisible zipper to match, I purchase the closest color and use finger nail polish to color the tab.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:57h, 14 June Reply

      I’ve learned something new today and truly appreciate the tip, Marie!

  • Susan
    Posted at 10:26h, 13 June Reply

    Sarah, your dress is just beautiful; the colour and fit are perfect.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:58h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you, Susan! It all came together unexpectedly 😉

  • Gayle
    Posted at 10:26h, 13 June Reply

    Glad this worked out for you Sarah. I just completed a StyleArc pattern and am not at all happy with it. The dress looks lovely on you. You are my inspiration to keep trying.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:59h, 14 June Reply

      Gayle – did you make a muslin. With the 3/8″ seams and sparse instructions I MUST make a muslin to avoid disaster and this was no exception!

  • Kathy
    Posted at 10:48h, 13 June Reply

    Absolutely perfect fit and a beautiful selection of fabric a complete win win .

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:59h, 14 June Reply

      Many thanks for your nice comment, Kathy 🙂 🙂

  • Beth (SunnyGalStudio)
    Posted at 11:08h, 13 June Reply

    that is so cute, I love eyelet and that shape is one of my favorites. that pattern looks a lot like a Marfy dress I made with the split side panel, yes it does work well 🙂 perfect summer evening look

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:00h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Beth! One of these days I’m going to reach a comfort level with Marfy 😉

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 11:09h, 13 June Reply

    A beautiful dress in an awesome color! Just beautiful!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:00h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Carolyn!

  • Amanda S.
    Posted at 11:15h, 13 June Reply

    Just lovely Sarah! I have that fabric on my mind – big surprise right?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:01h, 14 June Reply

      Well, I look forward to seeing your rendition if you get it! Many thanks, Amanda 🙂

  • Myra
    Posted at 12:12h, 13 June Reply

    Too cute Sarah! You’re cranking out beautiful summar attire again this year!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:02h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you, Myra! I’m having fun this summer – last summer I cranked out very little worrying about the MoB dress 😉

  • Gerhild
    Posted at 12:19h, 13 June Reply

    Beautiful dress and construction information. However, how hot is it going to be using two fabrics and one with stretch? I live in Texas and that is a concern with the heat and humidity.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:03h, 14 June Reply

      Many thanks, Gerhild! The dress is not hot at all . The eyelet is very light weight, the fabric is breathable and the style is meant for hot weather 🙂

  • Brenda Hobart
    Posted at 12:42h, 13 June Reply

    Throw a light weight jacket or sweather over the top and different footwear, and I think you just might have appropriate office wear.

    Such an inspiration.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:03h, 14 June Reply

      Sounds like a plan, Brenda! Many thanks 🙂

  • Miss J
    Posted at 13:43h, 13 June Reply

    Oops, wore red to an important business meeting this week!
    I get sick of navy and black sometimes! Help!!

    You look great in red,

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:04h, 14 June Reply

      You already have the job – no need to worry! I know the color comes across as red but it’s more coral which was the color mentioned to never wear 😉

  • Manju
    Posted at 13:45h, 13 June Reply

    The fit is just perfect on this Sarah and the colour and fabric is gorgeous. Great summer piece to have in your wardrobe.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:05h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Manju!

  • Cindy Aymes
    Posted at 14:06h, 13 June Reply

    Love the colour and the style! And the fit is, as usual, impeccable! I’m a big Style Arc fan too! Happy Summer Sewing! Cindy

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:06h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you, Cindy! Don’t you just love summer sewing?

  • Teresa Davey
    Posted at 14:13h, 13 June Reply

    Looking as stylish as ever, and a great colour on you 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:06h, 14 June Reply

      Many thanks, Teresa 😉

  • Fran Giacobbe
    Posted at 15:39h, 13 June Reply

    Very pretty…very “you”… you may have convinced me to give Style Arc a try.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:07h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you Fran! They are very well designed patterns – good luck!

  • Tomasa Jimenez
    Posted at 16:11h, 13 June Reply

    This dress fits you beautifully and the color is gorgeous on you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:35h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you, Tomasa! It’s definitely going to be one of those ‘go-to’ dresses this summer. 🙂

  • Mary Lynn
    Posted at 16:36h, 13 June Reply

    Great Dress! Perfect for summer dinner in Charleston! I love the color and the shoes. The fit is perfect and I marvel at your
    resorcefulness with the boning,etc.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:37h, 14 June Reply

      Hi Mary Lynn!
      Thank you so much! This dress will be the first in my suitcase for the next trip 😉

  • Maggie Edger
    Posted at 18:17h, 13 June Reply

    As always, just gorgeous!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:37h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Maggie!! 🙂

  • Ann YOund
    Posted at 19:19h, 13 June Reply

    Great dress and makes me smile as I endure an antipodean winter ;-). I too am a StyleArc convertee and now fan. Especially their pants – on trend, easy sew, perfect fit. They now are my go to pattern supplier!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:41h, 14 June Reply

      Ugh…. I hope your winter improves, Ann 😉 I too have sewn Style Arc pants with success and am glad the patterns are becoming downloadable . Many thanks for your comment!

  • Kezza
    Posted at 19:55h, 13 June Reply

    Just lovely. by putting the boning in the side seam, what benefit is that please.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:44h, 14 June Reply

      Many thanks, Kezza! The boning in the side seams gives the dress support so it doesn’t sag and lose its shape. 😉

  • Vicki Maiorano
    Posted at 20:17h, 13 June Reply

    Lovely!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:44h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you, Vicki!

  • Julie Starr
    Posted at 20:36h, 13 June Reply

    What a fabulous color eyelet and how great that you had lining to match. I imagine the boning gives the dress lovely support. Another beautiful summer dress! On another note – I do believe that’s the biggest magnolia I’ve ever seen! It’s a great backdrop. I’ve always wanted to use the Angel Oak for photos but there are always too many people there!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:50h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you, Julie! Picture taking was tricky due to the wind but the magnolia gave us some relief 😉 Hubs wants to take pics at Angel Oak too. My concern is you can’t touch the tree and after cropping I’m not sure the tree’s beauty would be captured.

  • Ardy Wolynec
    Posted at 21:53h, 13 June Reply

    Beautiful dress. Love the color!.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:50h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Ardy!

  • Rena
    Posted at 22:25h, 13 June Reply

    Love your site.
    Just a little hint…paint the tab of insible zip with nail polish to match dress

    • Laura Casey
      Posted at 06:12h, 14 June Reply

      RENA….Now that is a good hint!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:50h, 14 June Reply

      I love learning this tip!! Many thanks, Rena 🙂 🙂

  • Mirjana Freilich
    Posted at 23:22h, 13 June Reply

    The dress looks beautiful, and the fit is excellent. FYI:
    There is a wonderful resource for zippers (YKK) of all types in NY–www.zipperstop.com. You can purchase as few as one zipper, and they are very helpful in phone service too. Since I have a custom clothing business I ordered their color card ($35) and can order the perfect size and match for virtually any fabric from their vast inventory

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:51h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mirjana!

  • Anne
    Posted at 05:42h, 14 June Reply

    Lovely. As always, I’m inspired by your blog. I’m busy thinking about my own MOB outfit for June next year. Short not long. Needs a separate cover up/jacket etc as our weather very variable and not too warm usually, though we had a 3 day slight heatwave. I need to up my finishing, though

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:52h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you, Anne! Please let me know what you decide to make and good luck!

  • Laura Casey
    Posted at 06:11h, 14 June Reply

    Interesting dress, great duo of fabrics….and most interesting is your comment “the flexibility you’ve developed” almost to let things happen. I feel that way in my sewing, that whatever the obstacle I can make it work…..no longer is “it has to be perfect”…..love sewing and so glad I found you on your blog……
    Laura

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:53h, 14 June Reply

      Me too, Laura! My blogging friends bring absolute joy to my life 🙂 🙂

  • Linda LaMona
    Posted at 08:09h, 14 June Reply

    That is pretty dress and so perfect for those hot summer days and nights. Lovely color.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:53h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Linda!

  • Peggy
    Posted at 09:09h, 14 June Reply

    Lovely! Thank you for sharing your process and details … it always pushes me a bit to think out side of the box!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:54h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you, Peggy! My thinking outside of the box is usually due to desperation 😉

  • Mary Rames (designerofdreams)
    Posted at 09:59h, 14 June Reply

    You look so beautiful in your new dress! Great color/fabric choice that enhances your glowing skin. A few years ago, I used the same method for a summery dress…coral cotton batiste lining under a hot pink eyelet…perfect for Arkansas hot summer days. I’ve been planning to “update” it so your post has inspired me to work on it now! I’m a Style Arc fan too and always love the finished garment as long as I make a test/muslin first. I can’t THANK YOU enough for sharing your blog. You really are making a difference 😉

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:56h, 14 June Reply

      What a lovely comment, Mary – thank you so much! I’m always nervous with the 3/8″ seam and lack of instructions so a muslin is a MUST for me with Style Arc. 😉

  • Linda M
    Posted at 12:01h, 14 June Reply

    Summer must be coming! I’m making a lot of red (and seeing lots of red) too! Lovely dress!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:57h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you, Linda! Summer has arrived in SC – 99degrees for the next three days!!!!!!!

  • Linda Galante
    Posted at 14:00h, 14 June Reply

    Gorgeous dress! Love the coral color. Interesting modification to widen the straps at the shoulders. I’ve never tried Style Arc, but this is so cute, I just might have to!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:59h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you, Linda! I don’t want to say I’m too old for spaghetti straps………. but I sure feel better with a little extra support especially for a casual type dress 🙂

  • Vernelle Nelson
    Posted at 16:52h, 14 June Reply

    What an adorable choice for a summer evening!!!! It looks great on you.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:59h, 14 June Reply

      Thank you so much, Vernelle!!

  • Cindy C.
    Posted at 05:18h, 15 June Reply

    Another smashing hit! It’s getting repetitive — nothing but gorgeous, enviously and beautifully fitting garments in unusual and eye-catching fabrics. Success after success. Time to change it up with a blooper. 🙂 Just kidding. But seriously, you must be setting a new world record for continuous sewing successes. Congratulations on this most recent beauty.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:40h, 15 June Reply

      This is one of the nicest comments I have ever received – thank you, Cindy! Look through the gallery and you’ll see some bloopers!

  • Catty Andry
    Posted at 09:09h, 15 June Reply

    I think I have this same fabric and have been searching for a lining! Another thing that has held me up is the seams for the eyelet and the lining. How did you finish them? Your dress is super cute! You are always an inspiration!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:39h, 15 June Reply

      Thank you, Catty! I did not finish the seams since it was lined.I pressed all seams to the side except for the back seam which I pressed open. I think this fabric would look great with several types of linings. Because I was making a fitted dress, I needed something with some weight. Hope you’ll sew your fabric soon and good luck!

  • Teresa Nealon
    Posted at 11:27h, 15 June Reply

    Great job! One way I’ve found to always have an invisible zipper work for a garment is to paint the pull using a coordinating nail polish to the fashion fabric. I enjoy your blog very much! Thank you for taking the time to share your creative ideas and sewing skills with us.

  • Mary Funt
    Posted at 06:55h, 16 June Reply

    Looks fabulous on you and perfect for summer. You make a strong case for maintaining a sizeable stash. One never knows when fabrics will find each other.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:51h, 16 June Reply

      Amen, Mary! 🙂

  • Alicia @ Pandora Sews
    Posted at 16:16h, 16 June Reply

    This color is amazing for Summer! I like Style Arc patterns, too! They have the best customer service!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:52h, 16 June Reply

      Thank you, Alicia! I so agree with you about Style Arc and its customer service 🙂

  • Marguerite
    Posted at 18:45h, 19 June Reply

    Really beautiful! I sent for a swatch of the eyelet but couldn’t decide on a pattern to use so I never purchased any yardage. Your dress is perfect for the fabric. I’ve never worn that style of dress but I am considering it for an upcoming destination wedding!

    • Goodbye Valentino
      Posted at 08:12h, 21 June Reply

      Hi Marguerite!
      Many thanks for the comment. I reccomend this style of dress for many reasons – comfort, versatility and flattering fit for starters – not to mention perfect for destination weddings!

  • Margo
    Posted at 19:53h, 22 June Reply

    This color is stunning on you! I have never tried a Style Arc pattern but you do make it tempting!

  • Sonja
    Posted at 12:25h, 27 June Reply

    This is so, so pretty! The fit is fantastic and the color looks great on you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:31h, 27 June Reply

      Thank you, Sonja! I’m super pleased with the entire project 😉

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